WatchGas ATEX Beacon User Manual
Model: ATEX Beacon
Manufacturer: WatchGas
1. About the ATEX Beacon
The ATEX Beacon is equipped with 78 Ultra Bright RGB LEDs providing 360° visibility. Its colours can be controlled independently via analogue or digital input. The device supports a selection of 4 patterns and includes a potential-free contact for driving external devices such as a sounder.
Internal Layout Description
The internal layout features a J9 terminal block (6 pins) for connections, a J10 relay output terminal block (rated for 24V/2A MAX), a J4 Modbus connector, and a 12-pin DIP switch. A jumper is present to select between positive and negative trigger polarity. The J3 connector is for the LED PCB. The J9 terminal block is labeled with connections for GND, V+, Y (yellow light), B (blue light), G (green light), and R (red light).
Specifications Summary
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 9-30V DC (min 9W) |
| Stand-by current | <0.1W |
| Trigger voltage positive | 6-30V DC |
| Trigger voltage ground | Min. 6V DC below supply |
| Trigger current | Max. 6mA |
| Cable diameter | 0.25mm² to 3.0 mm² (12 to 24AWG) |
| Relay voltage | Max. 24V DC |
| Relay current | 2A Max. |
2. Installation
Installation requires careful handling of internal electronic components and should be performed in dry circumstances, avoiding heavy moisture and wet conditions.
To open the housing, first remove the hexagon M3 bolt, then unscrew the glass top. To wire the ATEX Beacon, remove the LED insert by unscrewing the 3 nylon screws and disconnecting the LED PCB from connector J3. Connect the power supply and signal or Modbus cables to the J9 or J4 connector, respectively. Select whether to use the beacon in analogue or Modbus-controlled mode.
After making connections, reconnect the LED PCB to J3 and secure it with the 3 nylon screws. Carefully screw the glass back on, ensuring no cable obstructions, and then replace the hexagon bolt.
3. Analogue Controlled
To configure the beacon for analogue control, set the Jumper to the right position to select positive or negative trigger polarity. Configure the mode and patterns for each colour using the DIP switch settings. Connect the trigger wires to the correct terminal. Note that colours are prioritized from lowest to highest: Blue > Green > Yellow > Red. If both green and red triggers are active, the red light will be displayed.
DIP Switch Configuration for Analogue Mode
The following settings apply when DIP switch 1 is set to OFF (analogue mode):
- DIP switch 1: OFF (Analogue / standard input)
- DIP switch 2: Controls demo mode (ON = demo mode, OFF = demo mode off).
- DIP switch 4: Not Used.
- DIP switches 5/6 (Yellow light): Can be set to continuous or looping patterns, including flashing at 10 Hz / 50% duty cycle.
- DIP switches 7/8 (Blue light): Can be set to continuous or looping patterns, including flashing at 10 Hz / 50% duty cycle.
- DIP switches 9/10 (Green light): Can be set to continuous or looping patterns, including flashing at 10 Hz / 50% duty cycle.
- DIP switches 11/12 (Red light): Can be set to continuous or looping patterns, including flashing at 10 Hz / 50% duty cycle.
4. Modbus Controlled
4.1 SETTINGS
The following configuration options are available for Modbus control using the DIP switches:
| Option | Default value | Valid range | Description | DIP Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modbus ID | 0 (disabled) | 1-255 | Select Modbus address | 5/12 |
| Baudrate | 9600 | 9600-19200 | Baudrate in symbols per second | 2 |
DIP switch 1: ON = digital / Modbus input; OFF = analog / standard input.
DIP switch 2: For Modbus mode: ON = Baud rate 19200; OFF = Baud rate 9600.
DIP switch 3: Not Used.
DIP switch 4: Not Used.
DIP switch 5/12: Modbus setting refers to the Modbus table to set the address.
4.2 SUPPORTED CODES
| Function code | Function name | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Reading holding register(s) | Reading registers (up to 8 registers per command) |
| 6 | Write single register | Setting of a register |
| 16 | Write multiple registers | Setting of multiple registers |
5. Register Map
Data can be read using the Read Holding Registers command. A memory map detailing all useful locations is listed below:
| Address | Content | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 0x0000 | Light effect type | View note [1]; 16 bit unsigned integer |
| 0x0001 | Red value | View note [2]; 16 bit unsigned integer |
| 0x0002 | Green value | View note [2]; 16 bit unsigned integer |
| 0x0003 | Blue value | View note [2]; 16 bit unsigned integer |
| 0x0004 | Relay control | Zero: disabled, non-zero: energized |
| 0x0005 | Input status | View note [3]; 16 bit unsigned integer |
| 0x0006 | Firmware version | - |
Notes: [1] See table in next section for possible values in this register. [2] A value 0-255 will result in zero brightness (0) to maximum brightness (255). Any value larger than 255 is internally set to 255. [3] This register reflects the status of the input pins. The pins do not control anything, but can be used to read the status of external equipment.
5.1 PIN NUMBERS
The input status register reflects the value of the input pins. Toggling these pins while the unit is configured as a Modbus device does not affect the operating behavior.
| Bit | Decimal value | Pin |
|---|---|---|
| Bit 3 | 8 | Red |
| Bit 2 | 4 | Green |
| Bit 1 | 2 | Blue |
| Bit 0 | 1 | Yellow |
5.2 LIGHT EFFECT TYPES
The input status register reflects the value of the input pins. Toggling these pins while the unit is configured as a Modbus device does not affect the operating behavior.
| ID | Effect |
|---|---|
| 0 | Slow flashing (3Hz 50% duty) |
| 1 | Looping effect 1 |
| 2 | Looping effect 2 |
| 3 | All leds continuously on |
| 4 | Looping effect 3 |
| 5 | Flashing (2Hz 10% duty) |
| 6 | Flashing (10Hz 50% duty) |
6. Troubleshooting
| Error | Solution |
|---|---|
| Beacon will not turn on | Check power supply Check trigger input Check connection cable from let insert to J3 ensure is connected |
| Wrong colour | Check if trigger jumper is installed correctly Check if correct trigger is pulsed Is there a higher priority trigger active (Blue>Green>Yellow>Red) |
| Beacon runs colour pattern automatically | Disable demo mode |
| No response on triggers | Check if the beacon is set to analogue mode |
7. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Size | 20,5 x 13,6 cm (7.87 x 5.11 in.) |
| Weight | ~1675grams (3.69lbs.) |
| Operating Temperature | -20 to +40°C (-4 to 104°F) |
| IP Rating | IP 65 |
| Cable entry | 2 x ¾"NPT |
| Material | Copper free aluminium LM6 (copper<0.05%) With epoxy coating |
| Operating Voltage | 9 – 30V DC |
| Energy consumption | 9W Max (Stand-by <0.1W) |
| Potential free relay contact | 24V DC 2A Max |
| User Options | Light effect, Colour selection |
| EX mark | II 2 GD Ex d IIC T6 (INERIS 01ATEX0072x) |
| Can be used in zone | 1, 2, 21 and 22 |
8. Modbus Table
The Modbus Table (Section 8) provides a comprehensive mapping of DIP switch configurations (specifically switches 5 through 12) to Modbus register addresses, ranging from 0 to 255. This table is essential for configuring the Modbus communication parameters of the ATEX Beacon, allowing users to assign a unique Modbus address to each device on a network. Due to its extensive size, the full table is not reproduced here. For detailed configuration, please consult the original document.
9. Limited Warranty
WATCHGAS warrants this product to be free of defects in workmanship and materials under normal use and service for two years from the date of purchase from the manufacturer or from the product's authorized reseller.
The manufacturer is not liable (under this warranty) if its testing and examination disclose that the alleged defect in the product does not exist or was caused by the purchaser's (or any third party's) misuse, neglect, or improper installation, testing, or calibrations. Any unauthorized attempt to repair or modify the product, or any other cause of damage beyond the range of the intended use, including damage by fire, lightening, water damage or other hazard, voids liability of the manufacturer.
In the event that a product should fail to perform up to manufacturer specifications during the applicable warranty period, please contact the product's authorized reseller or WATCHGAS service center at +31 (0)85 01 87 709 for repair/return information.
WatchGas B.V.
Klaverbaan 121
2908 KD Capelle aan den IJssel
The Netherlands
+31 (0)85 01 87 709
info@watchgas.eu - www.watchgas.eu
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, contact WatchGas B.V.
Version: V1.0
